Faul headed way south

Jockey Ricky Faul is part of a group headed by local horse owner Mark Palmer that will be heading to Argentina later this month. Faul, 45, has been engaged by Palmer to help select horses to purchase and race at Evangeline Downs. They will be aided by bloodstock agent Pico Perdomo, a retired trainer from California.

Faul will bring his riding gear, and plans to accept some mounts at San Isidro and Palermo racecourses, which are located on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. Faul has ridden in Louisiana since beginning his career at Delta Downs almost 30 years ago. He has won over 3,250 races with earnings in excess of $28 million.

Faul and Palmer are making the journey a busman's holiday and will work in some hunting and fishing in Argentina.

"I'm looking forward to catching some of those big South American fish," Faul said. "I also want to see if their cuisine is as spicy as our Cajun dishes."